What should be done regularly in sheep management?

• A. Hoof trimming
• B. Ear tagging
• C. Tail docking
• D. Shearing

Answer: (A)

Regular hoof care targets preventing lameness by managing hoof length and shape. Hooves grow continuously, and if they aren’t trimmed, overgrowth can cause abnormal gait, pressure on painful areas, and increased risk of infections like footrot. By trimming regularly, you keep feet clean, visible, and easy to inspect, so you can spot cracks, deformities, or signs of disease early and address them before they impact performance or welfare. The routine nature of hoof trimming makes it a standard, ongoing part of flock health management, adaptable to different environments and breeds. Other practices like tagging, tail docking, or shearing are important parts of management but occur on different schedules and serve different purposes, whereas regular hoof care is consistently needed to maintain mobility and productivity.